DocuDoctor: how it works

Experience shows that a backandforth approach works well, something along the following lines:

1. Check my availability. Send me an email stating what help you are seeking, and the approximate size of your document. If you need a fast response, back it up with a supporting SMS text or phone call to my mobile (refer contact details).

2. Email me your draft, along with your instructions, including, if you wish, the maximum amount of time you wish me to spend on the work. Attach any key documents that will help me, e.g. your Terms of Reference (TOR) if you have one, specific to this document, and any key background material. Advise me of any deadline you are working to, of your contact details, and any key requirements.

3. I will read through, and, based upon your instructions, I will make suggestions for improvement. I can identify areas needing clarification or correction, and, unless you request otherwise, will make changes to the document, using the trackchanges facility on Microsoft Word, so you can see what I have done. I will send it back, with explanatory covering email. If you like, we can also discuss on the phone.

4. You will have the opportunity to accept or reject any edits I have done, and to work further on the document, before returning it to me for further editing. And so on, back and forth. Finally, I can help with formatting, layout, proofreading, etc.

5. For longer documents or books, we can work section by section, chapter by chapter. In such cases it is helpful if you share with me a skeleton structure of the work, e.g. a draft contents page, so I can understand where a section or chapter falls within the greater scheme of things.

6. Where we have agreed that I am paid by the hour, I will keep you regularly updated on time spent to date, and I will ensure that I don't charge for exceeding any maximum you have set.

This is one way of operating. I am very flexible, and would be pleased to try out new methods of collaboration.

Experience shows that working toandfro on e.g. a project document, including technical aspects, editing, formatting etc. might take a total chargeable time of 3 or 4 hours intensive work, spread over a number of days, or even weeks. Of course, it all depends on the length, complexity, and the quality (including standard of English) of your document.

I always welcome your comments and feedback, so I can improve my service. Indeed, if you are not satisfied with my work, please don't wait until after the work is completed, but let me know as soon as possible so I can take corrective measures.

NOTE: By sending me a document to work on, you are accepting the Terms and Conditions; please read these.